A 27-year-old has been named Woman of the Year after losing more than six stone in just 42 weeks.

Eastern Daily Press: Holly Dowler after losing more than six stone. Picture: Courtesy of Holly Dowler.Holly Dowler after losing more than six stone. Picture: Courtesy of Holly Dowler. (Image: courtesy of Holly)

Holly Dowler picked up the title for the Carlton Colville Slimming World group after losing 6st 8lb - dropping from 16st 6.5lbs to 9st 12.5lbs.

And now she's been chosen to represent her group at the nationwide Slimming World Woman of the Year 2017 competition, which aims to find the UK and Ireland's most inspiring female slimmer.

Mrs Dowler, who has gone from a dress size 20/22 to a 10, said: 'When I started out I never dreamt I'd be able to achieve all that I have. Losing the weight has made such a big difference – it's changed my life. My health is better, I have more energy and I'm much happier now – I definitely feel more comfortable in my own skin.'

Mrs Dowler joined Slimming World in October 2016 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size.

Eastern Daily Press: Holly Dowler has been crowned Carlton Colville's Slimmer of the Year. Picture: courtesy of Holly Dowler.Holly Dowler has been crowned Carlton Colville's Slimmer of the Year. Picture: courtesy of Holly Dowler. (Image: courtesy of Holly)

She said: 'I started to put on weight after quitting my university course, I then steadily continued to put weight on, continuing to increase in size during the early years of my marriage and then after having my first child. I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact.'

Mrs Dowler lost 7lbs in her first week and as the weight started to come off, her fitness improved.

She said: 'I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight but I've realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.'

Mrs Dowler will go forward to the regional finals of the competition, putting her in the running for the national title. The overall winner will be announced in November.

Claire Bond, who runs the Carlton Colville group, said: 'I'm so proud of Holly. She's a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she's achieved is nothing short of incredible! She's a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women - and men in Lowestoft to change their lives in the same way.'